In the adrenaline rush of being attacked, I’d forgotten that I had controlled the shadow creatures back on Earth. Something I hadn’t had time to tell Shadow or anyone else.
Could I control this one too?
“Stop,” I commanded it. “Don’t take one more step.”
It moved forward.
Shit!
Whatever this creature was, it felt strong, with a commanding presence. It was almost regal, as it sat eye to eye with me, on those wolf-like hindlegs. And the fact that it was too strong for me to control did not bode well for my chance of surviving. Especially teamed with a similar firepower to Shadow’s.
“What do you want?” I asked inanely, since it spoke in clicks and clacks.
It took a step forward, making no sound, as it was clearly smarter than me and knew we couldn’t communicate. I had nowhere to back up, already pressed against the door, so when someone slammed it open, I went flying forward, my face crashing into the floor, pain rocketing through my nose and cheeks.
“Ugh,” I groaned, tasting blood as I dragged myself to my hands and knees.
From this angle, I had no idea who had busted through the door. Was it Shadow? Or could it be another beast that wanted to kill me too? Maybefour armshad a friend?
Maybe I’d hit my head really hard and this was all a dream? Or Shadow had murdered me in my sleep and this was my afterlife?
So many questions.
So few answers.
Story of my life.
43
My nose had already healed by the time I got to my feet, focusing on the two figures hissing at each other. The sight of a familiar eight-feet-tall male with broad shoulders and a mop of curls was a huge relief. Shadow towered over the wolfie beast, which would normally be a great sign, but he wore an odd expression I didn’t like. It wasn’t fear, but he was confused, and one thing was clear: this was not a normal shadow creature.
The two of them started to hiss back and forth, and I wished I could understand what they were saying. Shadow’s face was darkness personified as he glared at me, and I wished I could take my naked, bloodied ass out of this space, because these guys meant business.
“What the fuck is going on?” I asked, wiping blood from my chin. “What is this creature?”
Shadow stared at me like I was the monster in the room. “What did you do?” he asked. “You released Igorna from the realm. He’s an upper-level member of one of the royal families.”
Igorna.That was a name, not just a creature classification. Apparently, this one was very different from the other ones. A royal.
“And he said you tried to control him. He felt the pull of an alpha to obey.”
Whoops. I’d given myself away there, and honestly, neither of them looked in the mood for me to lie about what had happened. “I kind of controlled a couple of shadow creatures on Earth, but I have no idea how I did that, so don’t bother asking. It’s as much a mystery to me as it is to you.”
Shadow reached out and wrapped his hand around my arm, pulling me into his side. “Don’t go near him,” he warned me.
I snorted. “Wasn’t planning on it. I already have the scars from the first time he launched himself at me.”
Shadow stilled, and while he still hadn’t taken his eyes off Igorna, I could feel his focus. “What scars?”
Lifting my long hair, I showed the world my tits, because at this point, that was the least of my worries. Credit to Shadow, his eyes landed on the handprints marking my skin, a few shades darker than the sun-kissed bronze of my chest, and didn’t sink lower.
His lips thinned. A very bad sign with Shadow, from what I’d come to learn.
“Get dressed,” he bit out, releasing me from his probing gaze and firm hold. “Looks like Igorna and I need to have a few words about touching my possessions.”
Fighting back the urge to remind him that I was no one’s possession, I decided now was not the time and did as I was told. Strolling away, I stayed close to the wall so as to not cross paths with Igorna. Reaching my closet, I looked over my shoulder to find its beady eyes locked on me.
Shadow moved closer, his chest rumbling in warning. Igorna lifted its lip and snarled in return, showcasing some impressive fangs, but it didn’t move. That was reassuring. Maybe Shadow still had the upper hand against this wolfie dude.
